TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) — It’s a high honor for one Baltimore County high school. Only the nation’s top performing schools receive the national Blue Ribbon.

Gigi Barnett has more on which school earned the distinction.

High test scores plus a challenging curriculum equal a national Blue Ribbon Award for Towson High School. It’s the only school in Baltimore County to receive the top federal award this year and one of six public schools statewide.

This week, principals traveled to the nation’s capital to pick up their blue ribbons.

“We have the faculty and students who are willing to go out on the edge and take some challenging courses,” said Towson High principal Jane Barranger.

That includes the Law Magnet at Towson High. The program draws students from across Baltimore County. Ninety-eight percent of Towson students passed the state’s assessment test in math and 99 percent aced the English portion. It’s something the Blue Ribbon committee considered.

“We have students who are great at sports and students who are great at academics and just that whole mix of art students and all coming together to share their talents,” said Towson High student Lizzy Peper.

“My mom went to Baltimore County schools and she always told me that she wanted to go to Towson when she went to high school,” said Towson High student Margate Williams. “‘Cause it was the best.”

With a blue ribbon firmly tacked on its list of laurels, Towson’s principal says the award is just the beginning.

“I really do see it as a nice start, but every student has to be successful,” Barranger said.

The Blue Ribbon schools were all Maryland Blue Ribbon schools in December.